Creative Problem Solving

Creative problem solving means using innovation and insight to develop new ways of doing things. Creative problem solving is best done when all team members participate in a collaborative process. The creative problem process is done using two sets of tools: data analysis and collaboration.

Course Content

The course content covers these two tools:

Data analysis is important in creative problem solving because in a total quality management environment, decisions need to be based on facts, not opinions. In order to quantitatively measure your processes, you will have to collect and analyze information over a period of time. This quantitative information will give you insight about your processes to see where a problem might exist. Tracking a process over time can help you set standards and measure success, or see where there is room for improvement. Data analysis tools such as trend charts, run charts, pareto diagrams and other statistical process control methods can be used to measure results.

Collaboration is the qualitative side of creative problem solving. Collaboration exists when team members put their heads together and work together to resole workplace issues. Collaborative tools such as brainstorming, mind mapping, SWOT analysis, and "bug lists" give team members a system for processing and thinking through an issue. These tools intend to get each team member thinking about how to best solve a problem. This module will cover both processes: data analysis and collaboration. When used together, team members can function at a high level, where each person's ideas are given credence, and decisions are made in a systematic manner based on real evidence collected and analyzed by the team.

Audience

Any member of a team that needs to learn to use qualitative and quantitative problem solving tools. Team leaders and group facilitators can also benefit from this module.

Timing

This module typically takes a minimum of 4 hours for maximum discussion and participation.